1 Corinthians 13:8-12 Cessationism versus Continuationism

the principal reason cessationist denial of continuation of gifts appeal closure of canon. implicit in appeal understanding closure of canon marked end of manifestation of charismata. however, main continuationist objection bible not offer clear (explicit) text support cessationism, although strong cessationists, such robert l. thomas , walter j. chantry, appeal text of 1 corinthians 13:8-12 proof-text cessationism. therefore, interesting question how both camps in dispute understand 1 corinthians 13:8-12. in context, issue how interpret expression in v. 10, when perfect come … , speaks event associated cessation of gifts ( … in part shall done away second part of v. 10).

continuationists understand key expression perfect come referring second coming of christ, and, thus, timing of cessation of gifts associated eschatological event of christ’s coming. argument such interpretation our knowledge, v. 9, in state of imperfection (“in part”) because “that perfect” has not yet come, when come, our knowledge cease imperfect ( in part shall done away ). since event of christ’s second coming bring forth completion of our knowledge, continuationist argues christ’s second coming candidate best fits description of expression coming of perfect . pointed out expression face face refers state of heavenly glory.

some cessationists, such john f. macarthur, agree continuationists perfection refers christ s second coming, interpret prophecy , revelatory gifts in natural terms. other cessationists, such moderate , empirical cessationists, agree continuationist interpretation, disagree john f. macarthur natural character of gift of prophecy. moderate cessationist 1 corinthians 13 cannot serve proof-text cessationism because of many obscurities. explanation why bible obscure on question of cessation of gifts gifts reemerge , in operation during great tribulation. thus, gifts, moderate cessationist perspective, in operation before christ s second coming; see moderate cessationism.

however, cessationists disagree continuationist interpretation , point out event of christ’s second coming instantaneous event. greek term used perfect teleios (strong’s no. 5046), signifying process of growth until completion, , not instantaneous event. in support of interpretation, pointed out paul’s talk of perfection illustrated metaphorical image of child’s growth unto manhood. concerning expression face face , such cessationists compare expression old testament usage of face face , point out expression used signify perfection of prophetic revelation given moses. in other words, prophetic revelation of god’s words through mosaic pact depicted perfect revelation given face face . paul used same expression signify coming of perfect completion of new testament revelation.